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About Kate

Sometimes, it may seem as if the odds are against you when applying for a creative job. While it's true that you're likely to be up against stiff competition when interviewing for a position, know that there is a fulfilling place for you in the creative industry.

All creative employers seek five vital qualifications when fulfilling their positions. Develop these five characteristics within yourself to dramatically increase your chances of landing that dream creative job:

1. Diligence. Your potential employer needs to know that you're thorough and will go through your work history with a fine-toothed comb. In this economy, an employer needs to know that she's getting her money's worth from the salary that she's paying you.

It's an employer's right to seek diligence in her employees. Whether you're being offered a position that pays £10 per hour or £100,000 per year, you need to bring all you've got to the table.

If roles were reversed, you;d be sure to check out your potential employees

2. Professionalism. Employers seek professionalism in their employees because it gives them peace of mind that they're making the right choice. You should dress professionally and appropriately, carry yourself with confidence and know exactly what you're talking about before you say it.

A professional demeanour goes a long way. A professional demeanour, firm handshake and killer interview outfit just may get you the job. When you display professionalism, you give interviewers the comfort of knowing that they're making the right decision.

Many employers promote within the company. If you lack a professional demeanour, you'll likely be looked over because interviewers will see little potential for your advancement within the company. You’ll come across as not worth the long term investment.

3. Dedication to success. A perfect employee is a go-getter. The ideal employee is willing to move mountains in order to attain success for themselves and the greater good of the company. And, if the mountain is immovable, they'll willingly climb over the mountain or bore through it to get things done. They are problem solvers not problem creators.

The perfect way to showcase to an employer that you're dedicated to achieving success is to bring testimonials from your previous employers, clients, and colleagues.

Bring along your portfolio of your most rewarding work. Explain how you went above and beyond the call of your job and give them ideas as to how you can do the same for them.

4. Experience. In the creative world, experience sells. Sure, a recent college graduate can provide a sense of excitement and a new spin on the ordinary. However, unless you're vying for a job in an environment that thrives on new ideas, this is of little use to the employer. In addition, new grads must endure a learning curve, and that learning curve will cost the employer money.

A seasoned professional is preferred because they're already trained to do the job and prepared to handle potentially sticky situations. An experienced professional can save employers money and also begin bringing in revenue almost immediately.

Even if you've just graduated, show the interviewer how your experiences can benefit the company in which you seek a position.

5. Education. A relevant education is a mandatory requirement in such a competitive job market. Because there's such a shortage of job openings and an abundance of applicants to go around, employers have the ability to hire overqualified applicants while still paying a lower salary. Keep up to date, keep your skills up to date and don’t be afraid to attend a course to enhance your existing skillset.

You deserve to be paid a great salary for your work. And, in turn, your employer deserves to hire the right, qualified candidate. Convince interviewers that you're right for their company, with the right attitude and you're sure to get multiple creative job offers!